Bathtub



C. J. RODMAN April 17, 1934.

BATHTUB Filed Dec.

Patented Apr. 17, 1934 umrizo STA 1,955,022 BA'rn'rUB Clarence J. Rodman, Alliance, Ohio Application December 17, 1931, Serial No. 581,620

Claims.

The present invention relates broadly to improvements in bath'tubs, and more particularly to bath tubs of the so-called apron tub.

At the present time it is customary in the art 5 to utilize bath tubs of the apron type in all cases where the tub is built in or'partly built in, and buildings are not infrequently designed so as to provide for such a built in construction. This is due largely, if not entirely, to the fact that such tubs present a much more attractive appearance,

In many cases and particularly in the smaller homes and apartments, bathrooms are being reduced in size to as great an extent as possible, so that room becomes an important factor. This has led in many casesv either to the elimination of heating means of the usual radiator type within the bathroom, or to the use of built in or wall type heaters. permit the inclusion within its physical confines of other utilitarian features, has become highly desirable. In accordance with the present invention, it is proposed to combine a tub and heater not only for the purpose of conserving space, but for the purpose of increasing the'amount of enjoyment derived from the use of the tub itself. With tubs of rather heavy cross section, such for example as cast iron tubs, there is a very appreciable lag between the water temperature and the tub temperature.

While this temperature difference is not particularly objectionable during such periods as a home is not being artificially heated, it does become objectionable in the colder weather. It is further one of the objects of the present invention to consolidate a tub and heater in such manner that the tub is maintained at more nearly a comfortable temperature.

In the accompanying drawing I have shown for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawing- Figure l is a top plan view of a tub of the built in type constructed in accordance with my invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevational View of the struc- 3 ture of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view on the line III-III of Figure 2 and Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view on the line IV-IV of Figure 2.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, there is shown a tub 2 built into an offset 3, whereby the tub is substantially enclosed on three sides thereof. Depending from the front edge of the tub is an apron 4 which is herein shown as being In any case a design of tub such as to of the panelled type. The panelling is conveniently such as 'to'provide relatively small panels 5 and 6 respectively adjacent the opposite ends of the tub, with a center panel 7 of relatively greater dimensions. The contour of the panels in each case is preferably such as to provide two or more oifsets 8 surrounding each panel, with the offsets forming substantially abrupt and distinct lines.

In the case of the center panel, the offsets running horizontally above and below the center panel 7 are perforated or cut away to provide slots or openings 9 at the bottom portion thereof and similar openings 10 at the upper portion, the openings 9 'beingfor the purpose of permitting the ingress of relatively cool air into the space between the apron and tub, and the openings 10 for the purpose of permitting the egress of heated air.

Disposed within the space between the apron and the tub is a heating means 11, herein illustrated as comprising aradiator of substantially standard design. To accommodate such a heating means, and permit its installation while maintaining it out of actual contact with the tub itself, the horizontally extending edge portion 12 of the tub is preferably made of greater width than customary. This increase in the width of the edge does not detract from the appearance of the tub itself, and actually improves the utility of the tub since it may be utilized as a temporary supporting surface.

The small end panels 5 and 6 are preferably cut out from themain body of the apron, as illustrated more particularly in Figure 4, to form doors 14, these doors being provided with hinges 15 of the concealed type located within the tub. In the space in back of the panel 5 is a built in cabinet 16 having a series of shelves 17. By opening the door 14, access may be had to the cabinet wherein may be kept any desired articles or conveniences. The opposite panel 6 is similarly mounted on hinges to form a door by reason of which access is permitted to the valve 18 controlling the heater 11. The space in back of the panel 6. may also be utilized as a storage compartment for articles of a bulkier nature.

In installing a tub constructed in accordance with the present invention, the floor 19 beneath the tub will preferably be finished in such manner as to form a substantially tight closure whereby the floor surface may serve as a bottom floor for the cupboard or storage space to which access is had through the door or panel 6.

By reason of the panelling of the tub apron, the junction lines between the small dot formed by the panels 5 and 6 and the body of the apron are efl'ectively concealed. In like manner, the oil'- setting of the center panel and the provision of the openings or slots 9 and 10 directly therein serves to partly conceal the same, thus providing a tub of attractive appearance.

In actual use, with a heating medium supplied to the radiator 11, cold air from the room will enter through the openings 9 and after being heated will pass into the room through the openings 10, thus providing efiective heating means for the room itself. At the same time, due to the fact that the heating means is confined within the physical limits of the tub itself, the tub is also maintained at substantially room temperature whereby the enjoyment derived from its use is correspondingly increased.

The advantages of the present invention arise from the combination with a tub of heating means within the physical dimensions of the tub itself, and particularly from the combination .of an apron tub having heating means between the apron and the tub body.

Still further advantages arisefrom the combinatlon with a tub having an apron with doors formed therein permitting access to the space in back of the apron and around the tub.

Still further advantages arise from the combination of a tub having an apron with an appropriate design or contour and with openings or doors formed in or carried by the same for the reasons described.

While I have herein illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that changes in the construction, arrangement and relationship of the parts hereinbefore illustrated and described may be made without departing either from the spirit of the invention or the scope of my broader claims.

I claim:

1. In combination, a tub having an apron formed with a panelling design, openings being formed in the apron at the offsets of the panelling for the circulation of air, said openings being partially concealed by said relation to said offsets, and heating means disposed between the apron and tub body.

2. In combination, a tub having an apron, a support mounted between the apron and the tub body, and a door formed in and carried by said apron for facilitating admission of articles to be placed on said support.

3. In combination, a tub having an apron formed with a panelling design, a door formed in and carried by said apron with the edges of the door at the ofisets of the panelling, and heating means disposed between the apron and the tub body, said heating means being accessible through the door opening.

4. As an article of manufacture, a tub having an apron formed'with a panelling design, and a door formed in and carried by said apron with the edges of the door at the offsets of the panelling whereby said door is partially concealed.

5. As an article of manufacture, a tub having an apron formed with a panel offset from the general plan: of the apron and an opening surrounded by similar offsets, and a door mounted in said opening so as to be partially concealed by the offsets surrounding said opening.

CLARENCE J. RODMAN. 

